---
name: "Sandy Martin"
canonical: "https://film.one/person/sandy-martin"
fi1m_id: "sandy-martin"
imdb_id: "nm0553036"
tmdb_id: 53931
wikidata_id: "Q2745996"
roles: ["Actor"]
born: "3 March 1949"
reviewed_on_fi1m: 7
average_fi1m_score: 74
average_as: "actor"
average_over: 6
updated: "2026-10-23T04:13:35.155575+00:00"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Sandy Martin

## Identity

Sandy Martin

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/person/sandy-martin
- **Type:** Person
- **Fi1m ID:** sandy-martin
- **IMDb ID:** nm0553036
- **TMDB ID:** 53931
- **Wikidata ID:** Q2745996
- **Same entity:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Martin_(actress), https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2745996, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0553036/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/53931

Actor. Born 3 March 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

## Details

- **Work:** Actor
- **Born:** 3 March 1949, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- **Active:** 1982–present
- **Also known as:** 샌디 마틴
- **Titles on Fi1m:** 7: 6 acting, 1 other
- **Average Fi1m score:** 74, as actor, over 6 titles
- **Fi1m score by decade:** 1980s 78 (1), 1990s 86 (1), 2000s 74 (1), 2010s 66 (3), 2020s 78 (1)
- **Fi1m against the critics:** 73 to 66 across 5 titles
- **Score spread:** 1 at 80+, 4 at 60–79, 1 under 60
- **Lead roles:** 0 of 2 acting credits billed first or second
- **Genres:** Comedy 3, Action 2, Crime 2, Drama 2, Family 2, Fantasy 2
- **Screen time:** 10 hours of reviewed films
- **Box office:** $1,043m across 6 films with figures
- **Elsewhere:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandy_Martin_(actress), https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2745996, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0553036/, https://www.themoviedb.org/person/53931

## Streaming the US now

- **Disney+:** [*Luca*](https://film.one/film/luca.md) (78)
- **Amazon Prime Video:** [*Napoleon Dynamite*](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite.md) (74)

For United States; add `?region=XX` for another country.

## Biography

Sandy Martin is an American actress. Born on 3 March 1949 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she began her career at the age of 15, touring with Martha Raye in the production *Good-bye Charley*. She later settled in New York City, where she appeared in over 70 stage productions at venues including Lincoln Center and La MaMa.

Martin is best known for playing Grandma in the 2004 film *Napoleon Dynamite*. Her other screen credits include roles in *Speed* (1994), *Marley & Me* (2008), *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri* (2017), *Dumbo* (2019) and the voice of Grandma Paguro in *Luca* (2021). On television she has appeared in *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, *Ray Donovan* and *Grey's Anatomy*. She has also worked as a playwright, director and producer, including as associate producer on the film *Gettysburg* (1993).

*Sources: en.wikipedia.org, imdb.com.*

## On Fi1m (7)

### Performed in (6) — the average rests on these

- *Luca* (2021), Fi1m 78, as Grandma Paguro (voice) — [page](https://film.one/film/luca.md)
- *Dumbo* (2019), Fi1m 51, as Verna — [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri* (2017), Fi1m 74, as Momma Dixon — [page](https://film.one/film/three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri.md)
- *Napoleon Dynamite* (2004), Fi1m 74, as Grandma — [page](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite.md)
- *Speed* (1994), Fi1m 86, as Bartender — [page](https://film.one/film/speed.md)
- *48 Hrs.* (1982), Fi1m 78, as Policewoman — [page](https://film.one/film/48-hrs.md)

### Also credited (1) — thanks, archive footage, uncredited

- *Seven Psychopaths* (2012), Fi1m 72, as Tommy's Mother (uncredited) — [page](https://film.one/film/seven-psychopaths.md)

## Complete filmography (90)

Every credit, newest first. Titles without a page can be requested for review on the HTML page.

- *The Invisible Raptor* (2024), as Henrietta McCluckskey
- *Mosquito* (2022), as Annie
- *Luca* (2021), as Grandma Paguro (voice) — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/luca.md)
- *Dumbo* (2019), as Verna — Fi1m 51, [page](https://film.one/film/dumbo-2019.md)
- *The Head Thieves* (2018), as Judy Castillo
- *Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri* (2017), as Momma Dixon — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/three-billboards-outside-ebbing-missouri.md)
- *Shooter* (2016), series, as Adele Poole
- *Stars Are Already Dead* (2016), as Grandma
- *Some Kind of Beautiful* (2014), as Susan Vale
- *Transparent* (2014), series, as Sandy — Fi1m 82, [page](https://film.one/tv/transparent.md)
- *Playing House* (2014), series, as Mary Pat Caruso
- *Mom* (2013), series, as Lillian
- *Wander Over Yonder* (2013), series, as Dorothy (voice)
- *Lovelace* (2013), as Ticket Lady
- *Ray Donovan* (2013), series, as Sandy Patrick
- *Ass Backwards* (2013), as Qwen
- *Bravest Warriors* (2012), series, as Dolores (voice)
- *Seven Psychopaths* (2012), as Tommy's Mother (uncredited) — Fi1m 72, [page](https://film.one/film/seven-psychopaths.md)
- *The New Normal* (2012), series, as Miss Pepper
- *Perception* (2012), series, as Shirley (Homeless Woman)
- *Sunset Stories* (2012), as Stu
- *Lab Rats* (2012), series, as Greta
- *Napoleon Dynamite* (2012), series, as Grandma (voice)
- *2 Broke Girls* (2011), series, as Ms. Pyle
- *Shameless* (2011), series, as Doctor — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/shameless-2011.md)
- *Rizzoli & Isles* (2010), series, as Kendra Dee
- *Parenthood* (2010), series, as Dog Breeder
- *A Very Sunny Christmas* (2009), as Mrs. McDonald
- *Make It or Break It* (2009), series, as Marge
- *Hot Sluts* (2009), series, as Jackie
- *My Suicide* (2009), as Mrs. Ellis
- *Marley & Me* (2008), as Lori
- *Lower Learning* (2008), as Olympia Parpadelle
- *Saving Grace* (2007), series, as Sister Laura Marie
- *Big Love* (2006), series, as Selma Greene — Fi1m 79, [page](https://film.one/tv/big-love.md)
- *The Unit* (2006), series, as Woman with Cane
- *My Name Is Earl* (2005), series, as Joy's Grandma — Fi1m 77, [page](https://film.one/tv/my-name-is-earl.md)
- *Weeds* (2005), series, as Doctor — Fi1m 76, [page](https://film.one/tv/weeds.md)
- *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia* (2005), series, as Mac's Mom, Mrs. Mac
- *The Closer* (2005), series, as Mrs. Wallingham
- *Adam & Steve* (2005), as Biker Chick
- *Grey's Anatomy* (2005), series, as Sally — Fi1m 68, [page](https://film.one/tv/greys-anatomy.md)
- *Desperate Housewives* (2004), series, as Woman — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/desperate-housewives.md)
- *CSI: NY* (2004), series, as Mrs. Collins
- *Napoleon Dynamite* (2004), as Grandma — Fi1m 74, [page](https://film.one/film/napoleon-dynamite.md)
- *Nip/Tuck* (2003), series, as Helen Holden — Fi1m 70, [page](https://film.one/tv/nip-tuck.md)
- *Without a Trace* (2002), series, as Iris Healy
- *Stranger Inside* (2001), as Mrs. Johnny Cochran
- *One Night at McCool's* (2001), as Bingo Vendor Woman
- *The Division* (2001), series, as Marriage Counselor
- *CSI: Crime Scene Investigation* (2000), series, as Office Manager, Female Trucker
- *Strong Medicine* (2000), series, as Iris Rawlings
- *Marlene* (2000), as Louella Parsons
- *Jawbreaker* (1999), as Nurse
- *They Come at Night* (1998), as Hazel
- *Krippendorf's Tribe* (1998), as Nurse
- *On the Line* (1998), as Bartender #1
- *Sparkler* (1997), as Ed
- *Female Perversions* (1996), as Trudy
- *Sliders* (1995), series, as Shirley Montana
- *ER* (1994), series, as Sister Helen, Mrs. Zarian — Fi1m 88, [page](https://film.one/tv/er.md)
- *Speed* (1994), as Bartender — Fi1m 86, [page](https://film.one/film/speed.md)
- *China Moon* (1994), as Gun Saleswoman
- *Prison Stories: Women on the Inside* (1991), as Counselor Pennell
- *Testing Dirty* (1990), Actor
- *Police Story* (1988), series, as Mona Ramsey
- *Little Girl Lost* (1988), as Violet Young
- *The Gambler: The Legend Continues* (1987), as Mrs. Dickey
- *Barfly* (1987), as Janice
- *Daddy* (1987), as Ultrasound Receptionist
- *Vendetta* (1986), as Kay Butler
- *Extremities* (1986), as Officer Sudow
- *Matlock* (1986), series, as Manager
- *The Twilight Zone* (1985), series, as (segment "Nightcrawlers")
- *Real Genius* (1985), as Mrs. Meredith
- *Hunter* (1984), series, as Iris Balzer
- *The Duck Factory* (1984), series, as Waitress
- *Night Court* (1984), series, as Woman in First Row of Gallery #2, Sister Mo
- *Carpool* (1983), as Peggy Ryan
- *Scarecrow and Mrs. King* (1983), series, as Nurse Chapman
- *48 Hrs.* (1982), as Policewoman — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/film/48-hrs.md)
- *One Shoe Makes it Murder* (1982), as Gloria
- *St. Elsewhere* (1982), series, as Mrs. Lawson — Fi1m 78, [page](https://film.one/tv/st-elsewhere.md)
- *Farrell: For the People* (1982), as Newswoman
- *The Patricia Neal Story* (1981), as 1st Woman
- *Falcon Crest* (1981), series, as Criminal Institute Hospital Floor Nurse
- *Sizzle* (1981), as Freda's Assistant
- *The Gift of Love* (1978), as Jan's Mother
- *Lou Grant* (1977), series, as Gloria Lawder
- *False Face* (1977), as Sandy

## Gallery

- ![Sandy Martin](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-75575d57da71.jpg) Sandy Martin — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Sandy_Martin_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Sandy_Martin_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Martin at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con (2023)](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-f539bbfa6c53.jpg) Martin at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con (2023) — Acaciadavid, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/1204414_v9_aa.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail_unscaled)
- ![Cast of the Napoleon Dynamite film and television series at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, including Tina Majorino, Sandy ](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-7a307c768290.jpg) Cast of the Napoleon Dynamite film and television series at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, including Tina Majorino, Sandy  — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fc/Napoleon_Dynamite_cast_%285965888099%29.jpg/1280px-Napoleon_Dynamite_cast_%285965888099%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![The Napoleon Dynamite cast at the 2011 Comic Con in San Diego](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-4cc59b8b4f9e.jpg) The Napoleon Dynamite cast at the 2011 Comic Con in San Diego — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/64/Napoleon_Dynamite_cast_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg/1280px-Napoleon_Dynamite_cast_by_Gage_Skidmore.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Sandy Martin](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-619f5e3019e3.jpg) Sandy Martin — Image via TMDB
- ![Sandy Martin](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-4eab6b68ff15.jpg) Sandy Martin — Image via TMDB
- ![Sandy Martin and Diedrich Bader at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-7c2368c21b98.jpg) Sandy Martin and Diedrich Bader at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Sandy_Martin_%26_Diedrich_Bader_%285965900653%29.jpg/1280px-Sandy_Martin_%26_Diedrich_Bader_%285965900653%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)
- ![Sandy Martin at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere.](https://film.one/media/person/98570/gallery-aaa784e1315c.jpg) Sandy Martin at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. Please attribute to Gage Skidmore if used elsewhere. — Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (https://thumb.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Sandy_Martin_%285966454966%29.jpg/1280px-Sandy_Martin_%285966454966%29.jpg?utm_source=commons.wikimedia.org&utm_campaign=imageinfo&utm_content=thumbnail)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/person/sandy-martin